Transmitter, system, formwork element, method for transmitting data and method for predicting stress on a formwork element

ABSTRACT

A transmitter for predicting stress on a formwork element during and/or after pouring a building material, in particular concrete, into a space enclosed by a formwork including the formwork element, the formwork element comprising a form face and a support structure which is attached to the form face and supporting the form face, wherein the form face is separated from or integrated into the support structure, the system comprising data acquisition means, at least one sensor unit, a control unit and a transmission unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/311,218filed on Jun. 4, 2021, which claims priority to International PCTApplication No. PCT/EP2019/080832 filed Nov. 11, 2019, which claims thebenefit to EP 18210078.4 filed Dec. 4, 2018, all of which are hereinincorporated in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a transmitter for predicting stress ona formwork element. Furthermore, the present invention relates to asystem for predicting stress on a formwork element. In addition, thepresent invention relates to a formwork element for use in a formwork.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for transmittingdata for predicting stress on a formwork element.

In addition, the present invention relates to a method for predictingstress on a formwork element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When pouring a building material into a formwork structure comprising aplurality of formwork elements interconnected to each other, animportant aspect is to monitor stress on said formwork elements that isinduced into the formwork elements by the building material.

When casting concrete there is a risk that the concrete form issubjected to loads it cannot handle. This can lead to formwork failure.The concrete formwork geometry could change leading to a flawed endproduct, for example curved walls or in the worst case scenario, anultimate collapse of the entire formwork structure.

An uneven load distribution within the formwork structure could alsolead to local failures or an unwanted redistribution of loads. One ormore tie rods taking up more load than expected can lead to instant tierod failure.

Without knowing the strain or loads the formwork is subjected to, onehas to fill the formwork very slowly or divide the pour into multiplestages, letting the concrete harden or at least solidify between eachstage.

Dividing the pour into multiple stages often leads to visible joints,so-called cold joints, or variations of surface color and structurecreating an end product of lesser quality.

Pouring speed and time is not only a factor affecting the physical endresult, it is also very closely tied to the economical success of theoperation. Hence, it is of interest to the contractor to fill theformwork and do the pour as quick and effective as possible while notjeopardizing the end result or the form place safety.

KR 20090016780 discloses a mold deformation detecting apparatus which isconfigured to detect deformation of a mold which supports a load whenconcrete is put into the mold and warn of danger so as to prevent safetyaccidents. A mold deformation detecting apparatus includes a detectorand a controller. The detector detects a motion of a mold. Thecontroller receives a signal from the detector and checks whether themold is deformed. The frontend of the detector has a sensing bar inclose proximity to the mold. The apparatus detects mold deformationaccording to whether the sensing bar is rotated.

KR 20130070874 discloses a mold collapse sign detecting devicecomprising a clamp, a sensor, an A/D converter, a microcontroller, and awarning unit. The state in which the clamp is interlocked to a moldframe is detected by the sensor. Detected data is outputted from thesensor in a predetermined time after detecting the interlocking of theclamp and is memorized as a standard value. Change value applied to themold frame is calculated by periodically comparing the detected data andthe standard value. When the change value exceeds a critical value, awarning signal is outputted.

Consequently, there is a need to further improve systems and methods forpredicting stress on a formwork element during and/or after pouring abuilding material into a space enclosed by a formwork.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a transmitter for predicting stress ona formwork element during and/or after pouring a building material, inparticular concrete, into a space enclosed by a formwork, to a systemfor predicting stress on a formwork element during and/or after pouringa building material, in particular concrete, into a space enclosed bythe framework, to a formwork element for use in a formwork, to a methodfor transmitting data for predicting stress on a formwork element duringand/or after pouring a building material, in particular concrete, into aspace enclosed by the formwork and to a method for predicting stress ona formwork element.

Further embodiments of the present invention are subject of the furthersub-claims and of the following description, referring to the drawings.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a transmitter forpredicting stress on a formwork element during and/or after pouring abuilding material, in particular concrete, into a space enclosed by aformwork including the formwork element, the formwork element comprisinga form face and a support structure which is attached to the form faceand supporting the form face, wherein the form face is separated from orintegrated into the support structure.

The transmitter comprises the formwork element and data acquisitionmeans comprising at least one sensor unit configured to acquire data inrelation to the stress exerted on the formwork element by the buildingmaterial, a control unit configured to control the at least one sensorunit and/or to process the acquired data, and a transmission unitconfigured to transmit the acquired data to a device located outside theformwork element, wherein the control unit and the transmission unit arearranged within the support structure, and wherein the at least onesensor unit is arranged at least partially within the support structure.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system forpredicting stress on a formwork element during and/or after pouring abuilding material, in particular concrete, into a space enclosed by aformwork including the formwork element, comprising the transmitter andthe device configured to receive the acquired data.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a formwork elementfor use in a formwork, comprising a form face and a support structurewhich is attached to the form face and supporting the form face, whereinthe form face is separated from or integrated into the supportstructure, the formwork element comprising data acquisition meanscomprising at least one sensor unit configured to acquire data inrelation to the stress exerted on the formwork element by the buildingmaterial, a control unit configured to control the at least one sensorunit and/or to process the acquired data, and a transmission unitconfigured to transmit the acquired data to a device located outside theformwork element, wherein the control unit and the transmission unit arearranged within the support structure, and wherein the at least onesensor unit is arranged at least partially within the support structure.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method fortransmitting data for predicting stress on a formwork element duringand/or after pouring a building material, in particular concrete, into aspace enclosed by a formwork including the formwork element, theformwork element comprising a form face and a support structure which isattached to the form face and supporting the form face.

The form face is separated from or integrated into the supportstructure, the method comprising the steps of acquiring data in relationto the stress exerted on the formwork element by the building materialby means of at least one sensor unit of a data acquisition means,controlling the at least one sensor unit by means of a control unitand/or processing the acquired data, wherein the control unit and thetransmission unit are arranged within the support structure.

The at least one sensor unit is arranged at least partially within thesupport structure, and transmitting the acquired data to a devicelocated outside the formwork element by a transmission unit.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method forpredicting stress on a formwork element during and/or after pouring abuilding material, in particular concrete, into a space enclosed by aformwork including the formwork element, the method comprising themethod for transmitting data for predicting stress on a formwork elementaccording to the invention, and further comprising receiving theacquired data by means of the device.

The idea of the present invention is to acquire the relevant data by thedata acquisition means, process the data and transmit it to a devicelocated outside the formwork element such that a user receives live dataon the stress exerted on the formwork elements by the building materialbeing poured into the formwork thus enabling the user to adjust e.g. apouring speed and other relevant parameters.

Due to the fact that the system comprises the transmitter, the controlunit and the device, a plurality of datasets can be taken into accountwhen analyzing the pour of the building material into the formwork suchas known data about the formwork, currently obtained data of the ongoingpour and data on all earlier pours that the system has monitored.

The properties of standardized formwork parts are well-known to anysupplier of such equipment. The properties can be easily described anddo not change due to the normal temperature changes, time or any otherexternal factor during normal use. The properties of the formwork formface, the distances between e.g. tie rods and other fasteners in anygiven section of the formwork are known as well as the dimensions suchas height, width, and depth of the formwork construction as a whole.

The formwork can thus be said to be a system of very well-standardizedparts put together in a very well-described way forming a known unit.

The invention thus uses the concrete form, i.e. the formwork elements,as an integrated monitoring system where the formwork elementsthemselves act as parts of the sensing mechanism measuring the effect ofthe fresh concrete pressure on the formwork elements. Information aboutthe formwork elements respective position in the total formworkconstruction is also used for the analysis.

According to an embodiment, the device is configured to analyze the datareceived from the data acquisition means and to display an analysisresult to a user via a graphical user interface, and wherein the deviceis further configured to provide instructions to the user for handling apouring process.

The user is thus provided with a simple and easy to use graphical userinterface indicating all relevant parameters of the ongoing pour that iscapable of providing instructions to the user for making appropriateadjustments.

According to a further embodiment, the transmission unit is configuredto continuously transmit data to the device in duplex communication, andwherein the data is transferrable by cable or wirelessly. Due to thefact that the data is continuously transmitted to the device, accurateand on-time data can be obtained that in turn gives the user an accuraterepresentation of a status of the ongoing pour, in particular with aview to the stress exerted by the building material on the formworkelements.

According to a further embodiment, the device is configured to performan analysis of the stress on the formwork element during and/or afterpouring the building material using the data received from the dataacquisition means, and data of previous building material poursmonitored by the system. The system is thus capable of continuouslymonitoring the stress exerted by the building material on the formworkelements, i.e. during and/or after the pour, as the stress varies duringdifferent points in time during and after the pour.

According to a further embodiment, the system further comprises a datastorage unit configured to store the acquired data, and a data interfaceconfigured to connect to a further system, in particular a CAD-systemfor designing formwork structures. The data obtained during and/or afterthe pour can thus advantageously be used by the CAD-system whendesigning objects, e.g. buildings and/or formwork structures.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one sensor unit extendsthrough an opening formed in the support structure, the sensor unitcomprising a pressure transducer holding body, a pressure chamber, apressure sensor, in particular a pressure transducer, arranged at leastpartially within the pressure transducer holding body and inserted atleast partially into or being arranged adjacent to the pressure chamberat a first axial end portion of the pressure chamber and a membranecovering an opening of the pressure chamber at a second axial endportion of the pressure chamber.

The pressure chamber contains a hydraulic fluid and is configured tocontact the building material and to perform continuous measurement oflateral pressure on the form face of the formwork element. Said pressuresensor, in particular the pressure transducer, is thus capable ofmeasuring the concrete pressure at well-defined points by beingintegrated in the formwork parts, wherein the sensor membrane is incontact with the concrete.

According to a further embodiment, the pressure chamber is axiallyadjustable in position through an opening formed in a base plate of thesensor unit, wherein the sensor unit comprises fixing means configuredto lock and unlock the pressure chamber relative to the base plate. Theadjustability of the pressure chamber and thus of the sensor unitrelative to the formwork element thus enables to use only one sensorunit no matter the thickness of the formwork element, in particular thethickness of a plywood plate that forms a form face in contact with thebuilding material.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one sensor unit isformed by a deflection sensor configured to perform continuousmeasurement of a deflection of the form face of the formwork element. Bybeing able to measure the deflection of the formwork element by means ofthe sensor being integrated into the formwork element, an accurateindication of the stress exerted by the building material on theformwork elements can be obtained.

According to a further embodiment, the deflection sensor comprises apush rod extending through an opening formed in the support structureadjacent to the form face of the formwork element, the push rod abuttingthe form face, wherein the push rod is pre-loaded against the form faceby a first spring element. The deflection sensor can thus measure anychanges in the position of the form face in relation to a supportstructure of the formwork element.

According to a further embodiment, the deflection sensor furthercomprises a magnet lever connected to the push rod at a first endportion of the magnet lever, wherein the magnet lever at its second endportion comprises a first permanent magnet and a second permanentmagnet, wherein a hall effect sensor is arranged between the firstpermanent magnet and the second permanent magnet of the magnet lever,wherein the magnet lever is adapted to move upon movement of the pushrod, and wherein the hall effect sensor is configured to detect amovement of the magnet lever. By using the hall effect sensor, anaccurate measurement of any movement of the lever caused by a movementof the form face of the formwork element can be obtained.

According to a further development, the at least one sensor unit isformed by a strain gauge configured to measure a load on a tie rodarranged between the formwork element and an adjacent formwork elementusing compression strain gauge load cells integrated in a tie rodassembly. Thus, an accurate measurement of the load on the tie rod canbe performed.

According to a further development, the at least one sensor unit isformed by a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature ofthe building material, wherein the temperature sensor forms contact withthe building material or is integrated in the pressure sensor unit,and/or a sound sensor is configured to detect formwork movements usingan electrostatic capacitor-based microphone attached to the form face.

Therefore, advantageously additional data can be obtained by using thetemperature sensor and/or the sound sensor that is usable in the overallanalysis of the stress exerted on the formwork elements by the buildingmaterial. In addition, information on loss of workability and hardeningof the concrete can advantageously be obtained by means of thetemperature sensor and by recording the sound.

According to a further embodiment, the method for predicting stress on aformwork element further comprises the step of measuring the stressexerted on the formwork at various positions in the formwork by means ofa plurality of sensor units. In doing so, a more accurate measurement ofvarious positions across the entire surface of the form phase of theformwork element can be obtained.

According to a further embodiment, the device is configured to performan analysis of the stress on the formwork element during and/or afterpouring the building material using the data received from the dataacquisition means and data of previous building material pours monitoredby the system.

The data obtained during and/or after the pour can thus advantageouslybe used by the CAD-system when designing objects, e.g. buildings and/orformwork structures.

The herein described features of the transmitter for predicting stresson a formwork element, the system for predicting stress on a formworkelement, the formwork element itself are also disclosed in the methodfor transmitting data for predicting stress on a formwork element and inthe method for predicting stress on a formwork element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention andadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention isexplained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, which arespecified in the schematic figures of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a system for predicting stress on aformwork element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the formwork element comprising atransmitter and a perspective view of external devices according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a further sensor unit according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows components of the further sensor unit according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the formwork element comprising thefurther sensor unit according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an inside of the formwork elementcomprising the further sensor unit according to the preferred embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the formwork element comprisingthe further sensor unit;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a further sensor unit accordingto the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the further sensor unit depicted inFIG. 9 in a first position according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of the further sensor unit depicted inFIG. 9 in a second position according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of a method for predicting stress on theformwork element according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Unless indicated otherwise, like reference numerals or signs to thefigures indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a system for predicting stress on aformwork element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The system 1 for predicting stress on a formwork element 10 duringand/or after pouring a building material, in particular concrete, into aspace enclosed by the formwork 2 is depicted in FIG. 1 . The formwork 2comprises a plurality of interconnected formwork elements 10, eachformwork element 10 comprising a form face 12 and a support structure 14supporting the form face 12.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the formwork element comprising atransmitter and a perspective view of external devices according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 2 , building material M, in particular concrete, is poured intothe space enclosed by the formwork 2 by means of the pouring device 3.The depicted formwork element 10 comprises the form face 12 and thesupport structure 14 attached to the form face and supporting the formface, wherein the form face is separated from the support structure.Alternatively, the form face may be integrated into the supportstructure 14.

The system 1 comprises data acquisition means 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d, 16e. The data acquisition means 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d, 16 e comprises atleast one sensor unit. In the present embodiment, it comprises aplurality of sensor units 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e that are eachconfigured to acquire data in relation to the stress exerted on theformwork element 10 by the building material M.

The temperature sensor 18 d and/or sound sensor 18 e can be integratedinto the one or more of the other sensors 18 a, 18 b, 18 c.

The system 1 further comprises a control unit configured to control thesensor unit. In the present embodiment, there are a plurality of controlunits, each control unit configured to control a dedicated sensor unit.The control unit 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, also processes the acquireddata. Alternatively, the control unit 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, may eitherbe configured to control the sensor unit 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e orprocess the acquired data.

The system 1 further comprises a transmission unit 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22d, 22 e that is configured to transmit the acquired data to a device 24located outside the formwork element 10. The control unit 20 a, 20 b, 20c, 20 d, 20 e and the transmission unit 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, 22 e arearranged within the support structure 14.

Each sensor unit 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e is arranged partiallywithin the support structure 14. Alternatively, the sensor unit may befully embedded into the support structure 14.

Moreover, each sensor unit 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e is formed by astrain gauge 18 c configured to measure a load L on a tie rod 52arranged between the formwork element 10 and an adjacent formworkelement 11 using compression strain gauge load cells 54 integrated in atie rod assembly 56. Alternatively, the compression strain gauge loadcells 54 can be arranged in the formwork element where the tie rod 52 isinserted.

A temperature sensor 18 d is configured to measure a temperature of thebuilding material M, wherein the temperature sensor 18 d forms contactwith the building material M.

Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be integrated in the pressuresensor unit 18 a, and/or a sound sensor 18 e configured to detectformwork 2 movements using an electrostatic capacitor-based microphoneattached to the form face 12.

The speed of the chemical reactions in the concrete is directly relatedto the temperature. The sound can be used to determine when the castingstarted, possibly the location of the concrete surface and the amount ofvibration added. Dangerous relocation of the formwork could possiblyalso be detected.

The device 24 is configured to analyze the data received from each ofthe data acquisition means 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d, 16 e and to displayan analysis result to a user via a graphical user interface 26. Thedevice 24 may alternatively forward the received data to a server (notshown on FIG. 2 ) via an internet connection, wherein the serverperforms the data analysis and provides an analysis result to thedevice.

The relevant data is acquired by the data acquisition means 16 a,processed and transmitted to the device 24 located outside the formworkelement 10 such that a user receives live data on the stress exerted onthe formwork element 10 by the building material being poured into theformwork thus enabling the user to adjust e.g. a pouring speed and otherrelevant parameters.

In addition, e.g. a warning function can be implemented by the device 24or a further device (not shown in FIG. 2 ) that may warn the user ofimmediate danger should this be indicated by the data analysis of thestress exerted on the formwork element 10. Said warning may be issuedvisually and/or acoustically on the device 24 and/or another device (notshown in FIG. 3 ) such as a warning light and/or a siren located on theconstruction site.

The device 24 is further configured to provide instructions to the userfor handling a pouring process. Each transmission unit 22 a, 22 b, 22 c,22 d, 22 e is configured to continuously transmit data to the device 24in duplex communication. The data is transferred wirelessly.Alternatively, the data may be transferred by cable.

The device 24 is configured to perform an analysis of the stress on theformwork element 10 during and after pouring the building material Musing the data received from each of the data acquisition means 16 a, 16b, 16 c, 16 d, 16 e and data of previous building material poursmonitored by the system. Alternatively, said analysis may be performedby other components (not shown) connected to the device.

Alternatively, the device 24 may be configured to perform the analysisof the stress on the formwork element 10 either during or after pouringthe building material.

The system 1 further comprises a data storage unit 28 that is configuredto store the acquired data and a data interface 30 configured to connectto a further system 32, in particular a CAD-system for designingformwork structures. The data storage unit 28 is located at theconstruction site. Alternatively, the data storage unit 28 may beembodied as a web-server connected to the device by an internetconnection.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention.

The sensor unit 18 b is formed by a deflection sensor configured toperform continuous measurement of a deflection of the form face 12 ofthe formwork element 10. Moreover, the sensor unit 18 b is alsoconfigured to measure an oscillation or vibration of the form face 12 ofthe formwork element 10. This way, information on a vibration andcompaction of the concrete can advantageously obtained.

The form face 12 of the formwork element 10 in this configuration actsas a membrane thus enabling measurement over a significantly larger areathan is conventionally the case with pressure sensors.

The deflection sensor 18 b comprises a push rod 38 extending through anopening formed in the support structure 14 adjacent to the form face 12of the formwork element 10.

The push rod 38 abuts the form face 12, wherein the push rod 38 ispre-loaded against the form face 12 by a first spring element 42.

The deflection sensor 18 b further comprises a magnet lever 44 connectedto the push rod 38 at a first end portion 44 a of the magnet lever 44.

The magnet lever 44 and its second end portion 44 b comprises a firstpermanent magnet 46 and a second permanent magnet 48.

A hall effect sensor 50 is arranged between the first permanent magnet46 and the second permanent magnet 48 of the magnet lever 44, whereinthe magnet lever 44 is adapted to move upon movement of the push rod 38.The hall effect sensor 50 is configured to detect a movement of themagnet lever 44.

The movements detected by the hall effect sensor 50 can e.g. bemovements where the form face 12 returns to its original position afterthe movement or quick oscillations, i.e. vibrations of the form face 12.This is important information for the concrete worker since he can getinformation on how much the concrete has been vibrated. Vibration ofconcrete is an integral part of the casting procedure.

Moreover, the magnet lever comprises a slit that is substantiallyarc-shaped, in which a rod is inserted, that is held by an arm 80 thatis preferably fork-shaped, i.e. U-shaped, in order to be able to holdthe rod between respective end portions.

The arm 80 is further held in place by a spring against which anamplification set screw 84 is pushed that extends through the supportstructure 14 of the formwork element 10.

The sensor unit 18 b further comprises a square nut which followsadjustments of a pre-load screw 86 that extends through the supportstructure of the formwork element and pre-loads the first spring element42.

The preload set screw 86 also conveys the rotary motion to the screw(not numbered) that is in contact with the push rod 38. This has theeffect that the preload does not create an offset on the magnet lever 44since it is fastened to the screw with square nuts having the exact samethread pitch as the preload screw. Preloading the push rod 38 with thepreload set screw 86 thus does not change the position of the magnetlever 44.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a further sensor unit according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention.

The sensor unit 18 a comprises a pressure transducer holding body 66, apressure chamber 60, a pressure transducer 67, in particular a pressuretransducer, arranged partially within the pressure transducer holdingbody 66 and inserted partially into the pressure chamber 60 at a firstaxial end portion of the pressure chamber 60.

The sensor unit 18 a further comprises a membrane 63 covering an openingof the pressure chamber 60 at a second axial end portion of the pressurechamber 60, wherein the pressure chamber 60 contains a hydraulic fluid(not shown in FIG. 4 ) and is configured to contact the buildingmaterial and to perform continuous measurement of lateral pressure onthe form face of the formwork element.

The pressure transducer holding body 66 further comprises an opening 65formed at a front face of the pressure transducer holding body. Thesensor unit 18 a moreover comprises a flange 58, wherein in an assembledstate of the sensor unit 18 a, the flange 58 is screwed to a containerportion 64 of the sensor unit 18 a that comprises the pressure chamber60, wherein the membrane 63 is arranged between the flange 58 and thecontainer portion 64. The opening 65 in the pressure transducer holdingbody 66 serves such that a screw can be inserted from a given directionin order to fix the container portion 64 to the pressure transducerholding body 66.

This is a very light press-fit. Pressure is then applied to compress theo-ring in an o-ring groove 62 using the screws mentioned in the commentabove.

The pressure transducer holding body 66 pushes against the containerportion 64 by the means of two screws through holes marked with arrowsin FIG. 4 . These screws in effect compresses an o-ring in the o-ringgroove 62 in FIG. 4 . The o-ring creates a water tight seal against theform work element body 14. This solves the problem of how to fasten thesensor assembly without having fasteners subjected to fresh concrete.All assembly and dis assembly can be made from the outside of theformwork.

FIG. 5 shows components of the further sensor unit according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention.

The sensor unit 18 a comprises a base plate in which an opening 70 isformed through which the sensor can be inserted. The sensor unit 18 afurthermore comprises the control unit 20 a and the transmission unit 22a, which in the present embodiments are housed within a common housing.The sensor unit 18 a further comprises mounting means 68 a, 68 b, 68 c,68 d that are adapted to receive screws that may be screwed into saidmounting means through a wall of the formwork element (not shown in FIG.5 ).

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the formwork element comprising thefurther sensor unit according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention.

The formwork element 10 comprises the support structure 14. In thepresent embodiment, the support structure is formed by a beam made of ametal material, in particular aluminum, wherein the sensor unit 18 a isinserted through an opening of the support structure. The sensor unit 18a comprises at an outer surface additionally a USB-connector 74, astatus indicating light 78 and a button 76.

The button has multiple functions. The button is used to turn the uniton or off, and reset. It can also be used to “force connect”. That is tocreate a measurement and connect immediately to the main unit as thebutton is pushed so as not to wait for the next scheduled measurement.

Alternatively, other buttons having other functions may be placed on theoutside of the sensor unit 18 a.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an inside of the formwork elementcomprising the further sensor unit according to the preferred embodimentof the invention.

The sensor unit 18 a is arranged at an inside of the support structure,said support structure 14 being made of a profile element that issubstantially hollow and has a rectangular cross-section. The controlunit 20 a and the transmission unit 22 a are shown which are connectedto the USB-connector on the outside of the support structure by means ofa cable.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the formwork element comprisingthe further sensor unit.

The sensor unit 18 a is shown in assembled state in which it isconnected to the control unit 20 a and the transmission unit 22 a,wherein a membrane 36 extends through an opening 34 of the supportstructure 14. Thus, building material M that is being poured into thespace enclosed by respective formwork elements exerts a substantiallylateral pressure on said membrane 36 of the sensor unit 18 a.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a further sensor unit accordingto the preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is a modifiedversion of the pressure sensor 18 a depicted in FIG. 4 . In the presentembodiment, the pressure sensor comprises a pressure chamber 60 that isaxially adjustable in position through an opening formed in a base plate61 of the sensor unit 18 a, wherein the sensor unit 18 a comprisesfixing means 61 a configured to lock and unlock the pressure chamber 60relative to the base plate 61. Moreover, the form face 12 consists oftwo layers that are arranged back-to-back, said form face being made ofa plywood plate. Alternatively the form face 12 may for example be madeof steel or plastic.

The pressure chamber 60 a is formed as a fluid filled cavity. Air ventscrew 60 b communicates with the pressure chamber 60 a and is adapted tobleed the pressure chamber 60 a.

The pressure transducer 67 measures a pressure of the fluid disposed inthe pressure chamber 60 a.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the further sensor unit depicted inFIG. 9 in a first position according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention. In the present view, the pressure chamber is shown in a firstposition, in which it is substantially retracted.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of the further sensor unit depicted inFIG. 9 in a second position according to the preferred embodiment of theinvention.

The pressure chamber 60 in the present depiction is substantially fullyextended. This enables the sensor unit 18 a to be also used with thickerformwork elements without having to replace the sensor unit 18 a withanother sensor unit having longer dimensions.

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of a method for predicting stress on theformwork element according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

The method comprises the steps of acquiring SI data in relation to thestress exerted on the formwork element 10 by the building material M bymeans of at least one sensor unit 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e of a dataacquisition means 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d, 16 e.

The method moreover comprises the step of controlling S2 the at leastone sensor unit 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e by means of a control unit20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, 20 e and/or processing the acquired data S2′,wherein the control unit 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, 20 e and thetransmission unit 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, 22 e are arranged within thesupport structure 14, and the at least one sensor unit 18 a, 18 b, 18 c,18 d, 18 e is arranged at least partially within the support structure14.

The method further comprises the step of transmitting S3 the acquireddata to the device 24 located outside the formwork element 10 by thetransmission unit 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, 22 e.

The method further comprises the step of S4 receiving the acquired databy means of the device 24.

Although the afore-mentioned system has been described in connectionwith formwork elements of a formwork structure, a person skilled in theart is aware of the fact that the herein described system can of coursebe applied to other structures in which a stress of a medium against acontaining structure is to be monitored.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. Itshould be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplaryembodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,applicability, or configuration in any way.

Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will providethose skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing atleast one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changesmay be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in anexemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth inthe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

REFERENCE LIST

-   -   1 system    -   2 formwork    -   3 pouring device    -   10 formwork element    -   12 form face    -   14 support structure    -   16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d, 16 e data acquisition means    -   18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d, 18 e sensor unit    -   20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, 20 e control unit    -   22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, 22 e transmission unit    -   24 device    -   26 graphical user interface    -   28 storage unit    -   30 data interface    -   32 further system    -   34 opening    -   36 membrane    -   38 push rod    -   40 opening    -   44 magnet lever    -   44 a first end portion    -   44 b second end portion    -   46 first permanent magnet    -   48 second permanent magnet    -   50 hall effect sensor    -   52 tie rod    -   54 compression strain gauge load cells    -   56 tie rod assembly    -   58 flange    -   60, 60 a pressure chamber    -   60 b air vent screw    -   61 base plate    -   61 a fixing means    -   62 o-ring groove    -   63 membrane    -   64 containing portion    -   65 opening    -   66 pressure transducer holding body    -   67 pressure transducer    -   68 a, 68 b, 68 c, 68 d mounting means    -   70 opening    -   74 connector    -   76 button    -   78 status indicating light    -   80 arm    -   84 amplification set screw    -   86 pre-load screw    -   M building material    -   P lateral pressure

1. A transmitter for predicting stress on a formwork element duringand/or after pouring a building material into a space enclosed by aformwork including the formwork element, the formwork element comprisinga form face and a support structure which is attached to the form faceand supporting the form face, wherein the form face is separated from orintegrated into the support structure, the transmitter comprising: theformwork element; and a data acquisition assembly comprising at leastone sensor unit configured to acquire data in relation to the stressexerted on the formwork element by the building material, a control unitconfigured to control the at least one sensor unit and/or to process theacquired data, and a transmission unit configured to transmit theacquired data to a device located outside the formwork element, whereinthe control unit and the transmission unit are arranged within thesupport structure, and wherein the at least one sensor unit is arrangedat least partially within the support structure.
 2. A system forpredicting stress on a formwork element during and/or after pouring abuilding material into a space enclosed by a formwork including theformwork element, comprising the transmitter of claim 1 and the deviceconfigured to receive the acquired data.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the device is configured to analyze the data received from thedata acquisition means and to display an analysis result to a user via agraphical user interface, and wherein the device is further configuredto provide instructions to the user for handling a pouring process. 4.The system of claim 2, wherein the transmission unit is configured tocontinuously transmit data to the device in duplex communication, andwherein the data is transferable by cable or wirelessly.
 5. The systemof claim 3, wherein the device is configured to perform an analysis ofthe stress on the formwork element during and/or after pouring thebuilding material using the data received from the data acquisitionmeans and data of previous building material pours monitored by thesystem.
 6. The system of claim 2, further comprising a data storage unitconfigured to store the acquired data, and a data interface configuredto connect to a further system for designing formwork structures.
 7. Aformwork element for use in a formwork, comprising a form face and asupport structure which is attached to the form face and supporting theform face, wherein the form face is separated from or integrated intothe support structure, the formwork element comprising a dataacquisition assembly comprising at least one sensor unit configured toacquire data in relation to the stress exerted on the formwork elementby the building material, a control unit configured to control the atleast one sensor unit and/or to process the acquired data, and atransmission unit configured to transmit the acquired data to a devicelocated outside the formwork element, wherein the control unit and thetransmission unit are arranged within the support structure, and whereinthe at least one sensor unit is arranged at least partially within thesupport structure.
 8. The formwork element of claim 7, wherein the atleast one sensor unit extends through an opening formed in the supportstructure, the sensor unit comprising a pressure transducer holdingbody, a pressure chamber, a pressure transducer arranged at leastpartially within the pressure transducer holding body and inserted atleast partially into or being arranged adjacent to the pressure chamberat a first axial end portion of the pressure chamber and a membranecovering an opening of the pressure chamber at a second axial endportion of the pressure chamber, wherein the pressure chamber contains ahydraulic fluid and is configured to contact the building material andto perform continuous measurement of lateral pressure on the form faceof the formwork element.
 9. The formwork element of claim 8, wherein thepressure chamber is axially adjustable in position through an openingformed in a base plate of the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unitcomprises fixing means configured to lock and unlock the pressurechamber relative to the base plate.
 10. The formwork element of claim 7,wherein the at least one sensor unit is formed by a deflection sensorconfigured to perform continuous measurement of a deflection of the formface of the formwork element.
 11. The formwork element of claim 10,wherein the deflection sensor comprises a push rod extending through anopening formed in the support structure adjacent to the form face of theformwork element, the push rod abutting the form face, wherein the pushrod is pre-loaded against the form face by a first spring element. 12.The formwork element of claim 11, wherein the deflection sensor furthercomprises a magnet lever connected to the push rod at a first endportion of the magnet lever, wherein the magnet lever at its second endportion comprises a first permanent magnet and a second permanentmagnet, wherein a hall effect sensor is arranged between the firstpermanent magnet and the second permanent magnet of the magnet lever,wherein the magnet lever is adapted to move upon movement of the pushrod, and wherein the hall effect sensor is configured to detect amovement of the magnet lever.
 13. The formwork element of claim 7,wherein the at least one sensor unit is formed by a strain gaugeconfigured to measure a load on a tie rod arranged between the formworkelement and an adjacent formwork element using compression strain gaugeload cells integrated in a tie rod assembly.
 14. The formwork element ofclaim 7, wherein the at least one sensor unit is formed by a temperaturesensor configured to measure a temperature of the building material,wherein the temperature sensor forms contact with the building materialor is integrated in the pressure sensor unit, and/or a sound sensorconfigured to detect formwork movements using an electrostaticcapacitor-based microphone attached to the form face.
 15. A method fortransmitting data for predicting stress on a formwork element duringand/or after pouring a building material into a space enclosed by aformwork including the formwork element, the formwork element comprisinga form face and a support structure which is attached to the form faceand supporting the form face, wherein the form face is separated from orintegrated into the support structure, the method comprising the stepsof: acquiring data in relation to the stress exerted on the formworkelement by the building material by at least one sensor unit of a dataacquisition assembly; controlling the at least one sensor unit by acontrol unit and/or processing the acquired data, wherein the controlunit and the transmission unit are arranged within the supportstructure, and the at least one sensor unit is arranged at leastpartially within the support structure; and transmitting the acquireddata to a device located outside the formwork element by a transmissionunit.
 16. A method for predicting stress on a formwork element duringand/or after pouring a building material into a space enclosed by aformwork including the formwork element, the method comprising themethod for transmitting data for predicting stress on a formwork elementof claim 14, and further comprising: receiving the acquired data bymeans of the device.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising thestep of measuring the stress exerted on the formwork at variouspositions in the formwork by a plurality of sensor units.
 18. The methodof claim 16, wherein the device is configured to perform an analysis ofthe stress on the formwork element during and/or after pouring thebuilding material using the data received from the data acquisitionassembly and data of previous building material pours monitored by thesystem.